Overview
The page compiles questions and answers from members regarding the British Columbia Society of Engineers and Geoscientists (BCSEG) and Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC). Topics include platforms, funding, partnerships, roles, advocacy, and membership concerns.
EngLearn Platform and Branch Engagement
EngLearn is a platform that provides access to more than 300 courses; majority included with membership at no additional cost. Members can benefit from both online learning opportunities and events organized through the branch program. The organization is actively working to improve support and engagement across all branches, ensuring members have opportunities to connect and participate throughout the province.
Funding and Partnerships
BCSEG is a newly established organization with a financial model that is still being developed. The group received initial and additional funding from EGBC, but no further funding is currently planned. Industry partnerships and sponsorship policies are in the process of being finalized, with an emphasis on maintaining impartiality when seeking external funding sources.
Roles and Collaboration with EGBC
EGBC offers advisory input on practice guidelines and has created an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion advisory group. There is some overlap between EGBC and BCSEG activities; however, both organizations deliver valuable programs to their members. BCSEG is now responsible for community events that were previously managed by APEGBC (operating under the name EGBC) and is actively recruiting volunteers to help with these initiatives.
Advocacy and Membership Concerns
Member questions focus on BCSEG’s definition of professional interests, the scope of its advocacy efforts, and its influence on public policy. There are also concerns about protecting professional careers in the face of AI advancements and the development of membership models. Additional inquiries address course access and collaboration with organizations such as the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE).
Questions and Answers: BCSEG and EGBC
Q: Is EngLearn a platform?
A: Yes, EngLearn is our platform that offers access to over 300 courses, each valued between $75 and $300. These courses are included with your membership at no additional cost. In addition to the online learning opportunities, we also organize events through our Branch Program.
Q: What are the parameters of connecting with the branches? Some are more active than others. (Have attempted to connect with the Fraser Valley)
A: We are actively working with branches to provide more support and increase engagement across all regions.
Q: In the future, please consider looking for events that are accessible by transit and have free parking. As a member of OSPE, why is BCSEG so late compared to OSPE launching so long ago? How do we collaborate with OSPE and similar organizations? Can non-registrants join?
A: We are a new organization, and our financial model is still being developed. We will consider hosting events with free parking going forward. In Ontario, the separation between regulatory and advocacy activities occurred 26 years ago, while in British Columbia, legislative changes are much more recent. Yes, non-registrants are welcome to join BCSEG.
Q: Exploring industry partnerships for funding. What mechanisms are in place to ensure impartiality when seeking external funding sources?
A: The board has discussed this at length. It is essential that bylaws and policies are in place to prevent any perception of conflicts of interest. Our sponsorship package is currently being finalized to align with these principles.
Q: Saw the event with AME. Can we speak to interactions with ACEC, etc.?
A: Katie explained that ongoing partnerships are being built between BCSEG and various partners, but it is not feasible to establish all partnerships at once. Partnership development is a key part of our strategic planning efforts.
Q: Is EGBC providing some funding to get us going? EGBC’s fees did not decrease.
A: Heidi shared that the BCSEG board has invested thousands of hours into setting up the advocacy body. EGBC’s fees have not decreased due to the loss of revenue streams, such as the Affinity Program and Career Listings platform. However, it is anticipated that the Affinity Program will eventually generate $1 million in revenue.
Q:Throughout my career I've worked as a geotechnical engineer, following practice guidelines developed by volunteers who had to follow those guidelines in practice. Recently, EGBC has been publishing guidelines that are essentially specifications, which don't make sense from a practice perspective and seem not to have been reviewed by practitioners. What part of this process belongs to EGBC, and where is the role of BCSEG?
A: Heidi clarified that EGBC relies on an advisory group. If a guideline is not workable for registrants in practice, EGBC requires feedback from the field. It's important to have guidance, but without feedback from practitioners, the process is incomplete.
Q: APEGBC used to do math contests and all kinds of events. All that community activity has stopped. Is this now the responsibility of BCSEG?
A: Yes, we are relying on the branches to continue those events and hope to increase offerings as our organization grows.
Q: We've heard about the board and the branches. Are you currently looking for volunteers for other roles?
A: Currently, there is one full-time employee, ten board members, and several branches. While we have ambitious goals, building BCSEG takes time. Revenue from the Affinity Program is still limited, and the career page transition is pending. We are actively seeking volunteers.